Stock Analysis

January ended as it began - with a vigorous rally. But in between, it was the worst January for Wall Street in 20 years.

The late-month run-up, however, was enough to propel local stocks and the broader averages higher during the period Jan. 26 - Feb 2.

Of the 50 companies in our weekly financial barometer, advancing issues outpaced declining issues by a 2-to-1 ratio. Those local issues falling to new 12-month lows, however, blanked those issues rising to new heights by a 9 to 0count.

This week, the Daily Press Index closed at 2596.58, up 26.00, or 1.01 percent, from the previous week.

For comparison, The Dow Jones industrial Average closed at 2602.70, up 43.47, or 1.70 percent. The Standard & Poor's 500 rose 1.57 percent, and the New York Stock Exchange Composite rose 1.41 percent during the week.